Top 10 Moments From Barack Obama’s Visit To Detroit

(L-R)United Auto Workers President Dennis William, US President Barack Obama and 2016 North American International Auto Show Chairman Paul Sabatini tour the North American International Auto Show January 20, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan. / AFP / Brendan Smialowski (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
(L-R)United Auto Workers President Dennis William, US President Barack Obama and 2016 North American International Auto Show Chairman Paul Sabatini tour the North American International Auto Show January 20, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan. / AFP / Brendan Smialowski (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Barack Obama took some time to visit the Motor City whereas he visited a watch shop, ate a burger and attended the Detroit Auto Show. 

If traffic on the M-10 was particularly busy if you drove anywhere close to downtown Detroit earlier today, the President of the United States and his motorcade of vehicles probably had something to do with it. According to the Detroit Free Press earlier Wednesday, Air Force One touched down in Detroit in the wee hours of the morning and thus began what they’ve dubbed a “whirlwind tour of Detroit.”

Not only did the POTUS stop by the UAW to make a speech, he had other stops as well, including a stop at the Cobb Center to attend the North American International Auto Show. Here are the Top 10 moments of the day as told through the eyes of social media.

#10- Empty streets lined with police cars

Want to know what the streets of Detroit look like before the POTUS rolls through town? Now you know.

#9- Barack Obama stopped off at the Jolly Pumpkin for a bite to eat.

It’s not everyday that you see your POTUS sitting down for a quick bite to eat at a local hot spot. Everyone is clearly in smiles.

#8- “I already own a Shinola”

According to Detroit News, “When asked if he bought a watch he replied he “already had a Shinola.”

And here he is standing next to the founder of Shinola Watches.

#7- The Beast goes out for a drive down the snowy streets of Detroit.

Equipped with military-plated armor and bullet proof everything, it’s a sight to behold to see the Presidents personal limo rolling down your street.

#6- Obama’s Motorcade drove by the Uniroyal Giant Tire.

In 1964, this giant Uniroyal tire served not only as a display during the World’s Fair, but was a fully functional Ferris wheel. Today it stands tall without its mechanical innards on I-94.

#5- The crowds were pumped to see him at the UAW.

Just listen to the cheers!

#4- Obama met up with ZF to talk about autonomous driving.

Pretty sure this spokesperson got the shock of a lifetime when he was informed he’d have to teach the POTUS what autonomous driving entailed.

#3- Obama checked out the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica.

This all new van from Chrysler was being hailed as a game changer and we’re pretty sure FCA was touting it as such to the President.

#2- Barack Obama also checked out the all new 2017 Chevrolet Volt.

200-plus miles of range from all-electric power, the Bolt was definitely on the list of cars for Obama to check out.

#1- Obama looking perplexed as he learns the advances that rear view mirror technology has gained.

The expression on his face is priceless. When’s the last time the President has driven by himself anywhere that’s not a golf cart and had to use a rear view mirror? Probably not in a long time.

We’re sure Barack Obama would’ve loved to tour Detroit without anyone knowing who he was or being encumbered by an agenda. Unfortunately, his face is one of the most recognizable faces in the world and anonymity isn’t really a thing for him anymore.

Next: This Is It: Barack Obama Drives A 1963 Corvette Stingray

More from Art of Gears

The economy is definitely on the upward swing and there are signs of life sprouting up all over Detroit. A drama free visit to Detroit is testament to that.